October the 1st is a big date for Native Instruments as they launch a load of new versions of their range of software instruments and effects. Probably the most exciting thing is that their "Komplete" package which features all their main products bundled together has reached the dizzy heights of version 6 - but more importantly they are selling it for about half the original price. It used to retail for over a grand and now you can pick it up for 499€ or $599 - so that's under 500 quid to us Brits. It's astoundingly good value and you'd be an idiot not to pounce on this. I already own most of what's inside the bundle but the combined cost of upgrading Kontakt and Guitar Rig to the latest versions is more than it costs to upgrade to the whole package of Komplete 6 - mad!

So, what does it have inside? Well..... let's have a look then. There's three completely new versions of software - Kontakt 4, Guitar Rig 4 Pro and Absynth 5 - just these three are worth the cover price in itself.

Kontakt 4

Kontakt is NI's sampler. It's grown considerably over the versions and offers a great deal of editing, fudging, fiddling and processing not found in other samplers. It played second fiddle to GigaStudio for a while in terms of library and expression but since Giga is no more Kontakt has the opportunity to be the sampler of choice for both the geezer mucking about with sounds to the composer needing the best expressive control over her orchestra. In version 4 NI brings in Authentic Expression Technology which claims to "radically redefining the authentic reproduction of acoustic instruments with all their dynamics and articulations, while adding completely new options for creative sound design." which is nice. It comes with over 43GB of sample library crossing all sorts of instrument and sound genres. But it's in the tweaking that Kontakt really has it's power and version 4 brings a much improved graphical interface along with detailed sample editing. The instrument browser has always bugged me - i find it very annoying and confusing - but in version 4 they claim to have improved and developed this too, along the lines of the Kore browser - finally!

Guitar Rig 4 Pro

Guitar Rig shares the top spot of software guitar effects with IK's Amplitube - I love them both. For me Amplitube is about authenticity whereas Guitar Rig is about messing around with effects like you wouldn't believe. With version 4 "Pro" (I assume they are releasing a non-Pro version that's not as good) they are attempting to take back some of that authenticity with their "big studio tone". Along with tweaks to the interface they've got some new amps, re-written the cabinet matching, new effects and the most interesting addition is "The Control Room". "The brand-new Control Room is a major leap forward in fusing the recording techniques of professional analog studios with the versatility and convenience of GUITAR RIG." What the heck does that mean? As far as i can work out they've modelled the entire recording signal chain from amplifier, cabinet, to mic, with the room, to the preamps, through the gear to the tape. Using a few faders you can change the aspects or emphasis of the sound relative to all these bits of gear. Previously we've been able to fiddle with mic placement a bit so this takes it to a whole new level - how fabulous will it sound? You'll have to wait for my full review of Guitar Rig 4 Pro once i have it in me greedy little fingers.

Absynth 5

Absynth is a weird animal. Never quite sure that i understand it. The original version didn't offer much editing and as purely a sound source it was really cool. Once they allowed you to plumb the depths of the synthesis then it got all very complicated. Thankfully the simple front end interface protects you from all the craziness so you can just enjoy the bredth of soundscapes this software can create. The sounds are very innovative, lots of rhythmic character, lots of morphing and mutation - perfect for atmospheric stuff and sounds you've never heard before. This is the synth i'd like to get into more and having not really played with it seriously since version 2 i'm looking forward to getting to grips with version 5. It also comes with 1700 sounds - so that's going to be fun :)

The Rest

The other stuff you get in the bundle is Battery 3 - fabulous drum sampler, FM8 - the best FM synth available, Massive - a very analogue driven synth and the daddy synth of them all - Reaktor 5.

Komplete 6 cannot be beaten in terms of versatility, power, sound range, tonal quality and most of all price. You'd be crazy not to preorder your copy - http://www.nativeinstruments.com